Lindberg Customized Eyewear and an Interview with Henrik Lindberg

Eyeware has been an integral part of my entire family’s life forever, or so it seems. I’ve experienced eyewear I disliked and others that seemed like part of me. To be able to learn about and interview Henrik Lindberg was an unexpected pleasure.

This family-run Danish business is led by Henrik Lindberg, who co-founded the company with his father, Poul-Jørn Lindberg, in the 1980s. They are now recognized as one of the world’s leading international fashion eyewear companies.

Poul-Jørn Lindberg

Lindberg

What I found interesting was Henrik trained as an architect. LINDBERG’s classic elegance and simplicity have played an important role in the company winning more international design awards than any other eyewear brand.

Henrik Lindberg Photo by Stefan Dongus

LINDBERG’s system for eyewear is different, as it is customized to personal preferences and appearance from the shapes, colors, sizes and features to each frame being engraved with owners name and a serial number.

Materials for frames come from all over the world, from 18-carat gold and platinum to natural horn and Siberian mammoth tusk or gold and diamonds if desired. The company makes a point of saying gold used is sourced from a responsibly run mine in Greenland, and pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia.

My questions for Henrik led to the following answers:

MDH: How did your architecture background lead to designing eyeglasses?

Henrik: I was always very interested in design and studied architecture in Aarhus, Denmark. My design background came in handy when starting to work in the family owned business, LINDBERG A/S, which my father Poul-Jørn Lindberg started in the mid 80’s.

MDH: How do LINDBERG eyeglasses stand apart and keep the company on the leading edge?

Henrik: LINDBERG thinks differently all-round. The main reason why LINDBERG stands apart is because of the unique set up of doing everything in-house. We invest in the most advanced, cutting edge technology and develop our own methods of production. We have worked with titanium for more than 25 years and have an expertise with this material that sets ourselves apart from most other eyewear companies. LINDBERG is all about comfortable, flexible, non-allergenic, bespoke glasses.

MDH: For father and son, what were their most exciting moments working together?

Henrik: The most exciting moment was in ’85 when LINDBERG’s real breakthrough happened and we overcame all of the initial start up obstacles.

MDH: What are the biggest challenges in the industry and personally?

Henrik: The optical market is changing. Cheap glasses, prices, and quality are everywhere and skilled opticians are a becoming a rarity.

Personally, every day is a challenge, being involved in all processes of running a company where big and small decisions are never the same. Biggest challenge: That the day only holds 24 hours!

MDH: What is one of the most rewarding elements you take away from doing what you do?

Henrik: It is very rewarding working with so many different interesting people of different nationalities where our common goal is to make the perfect pair of glasses.

Thank you Henrik for your insight into LINDBERG.

Photography courtesy of LINDBERG except for the photo of Henrik which is noted.

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About The Author

Maralyn Dennis Hill is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and is known as The Epicurean Explorer. She was born to travel and loves to tell the tale.
As a professional travel and food, writer, Maralyn is intrigued by all aspects of spa and culinary tourism. From local cuisine to Michelin Star, simple to gourmet, she thrives on discovering flavors, spices, and trends worldwide.
Not only does she love to share the tales of unique customs, Maralyn also believes that her passion for global travel is the greatest geography lesson. The best part is meeting people along the way and hearing their stories.
From Bocuse d’Or to being a judge at the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival and the Oregon Chocolate Festival and more, Maralyn is truly a world traveler. She is a frequent guest on radio shows and editor and contributor to more than eight print and online publications. Maralyn continues to reach an audience of several million in the United States and abroad.
Her adventures don’t stop there. Maralyn currently serves on the boards of Curran Pendleton Press and Stella Jane Marketing. She has co-authored three books and from 2002 to 2006, she hosted a cable television show on Time-Warner. Maralyn is the past president of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (12-2008 to 12-2012) and continues her work as a board member and co-chair of its Conference and Media Trip Committee. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and
the Society of Professional Journalists.
When she’s not jetting to her next destination, Maralyn enjoys coaching individuals on writing and marketing successful projects. And although she lives to travel, she enjoys quiet time exploring and writing with her husband, Norman.
Specialties: Culinary tourism, luxury and spas, but loves all travel. Food judging is enjoyable and Maralyn enjoys using her conference, incentive, and meeting planning skills.